Why did we write Create the Perfect Brand?

What discoveries did we make whilst researching this book? -

• Most branding books are written for branding professionals by consultants who work with international businesses and are quite academic in tone. 
  
• Many branding writers are trying to impart their own philosophy on branding.
  
• Many existing branding books follow the same format and case studies.
• We found that there was a gap in the market for a down to earth, holistic practical branding book for anyone interested in branding, including entrepreneurs, business management and students.
• We could not find any branding book written by a branding professional who creates and implements brands (from start to finish) and works every day with businesses - We do! 
  
• We could not find a branding book which gave an overview of the whole of branding - what it is, brand valuation, brand strategy, brand creation, brand management, brand protection.
  

What are the books USP's? -

• Practical advice packed with real life examples to encourage the reader.
• An informative, concise and holistic resource including the financial, legal, cultural and creative aspects of branding.
• Accessible, easy to read and jargon free. This is not a dry academic tome.
• Teaches you how to free up your thought processes to write a brand strategy and create a brand identity.
• A flexible format that can be read from cover to cover or referred to by individual chapter for specific guidance.
• Written by practicing professional brand consultants with over 40 years experience.
• A motivational book that will enthuse and inspire entrepreneurs and business leaders.
• Takes you from the inception of a brand to its launch. The book tackles the challenges of maintaining a durable brand and provides strategies for a recession.

Why did we write this book? -

• To inspire entrepreneurs and managers of start-ups and organizations to create their perfect brand with substance and credibility.
• Following 15 years of running our own brand consultancy we wanted to share our experience to help businesses realise their true brand potential.
• We felt that just about all the branding books in the market were written by Men who had no experience of actually creating and implementing the identity.  The books tend to be written by the consultants who come from a business background rather than the creatives. 

How can this book help SME's? -

• Practical advice that can be followed and implemented.
  
• All aspects of branding are covered including brand creation and legal protection.
  
• It is backed with relevant case studies of successful brands and some notable disaster stories to illuminate the subject.
• This book lifts the lid on what may be seen as a 'black art'.
  

Fascinating facts about brands? -

• The book reveals the inspiration behind some of the world's largest brands and the influences that helped build them.
• Fascinating Case studies include: Apple, Aston Martin, Butlins, The Co-operative, Dyson, Google, Ikea, London 2012, Michelin, Jamie Oliver, Samsung, Star Wars, Virgin,  Oprah Winfrey.
  

How did we research the book? -

• The book is based on 40 years of combined experience in branding, marketing, advertising and design.
• It consolidates our knowledge and is brought to life through recent news and relevant case studies that illustrate why branding is an ongoing process and is never a fait accompli.
  
  
  

Julia Hitchens Biography
 

Julia is an Author and Brand Consultant. She is the founding partner of Verve and is responsible for brand strategy.   A graduate of the University of Greenwich, Julia is a qualified Chartered Marketer with the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Julia started her career in Marketing and has worked for the US advertising agency Lintas as an Account Manager. At Lintas she worked on the MG Rover Account including the launch for the MGF Sportscar. She has managed integrated marketing campaigns for clients including Samsung, Telewest and ICL.

Paul Hitchens Biography

Paul is an Author and Brand Consultant. He is Verve’s Creative Director and a joint partner in the consultancy. Paul studied Graphic Design at the London College of Printing (now known as London College of Communication - University of the Arts London). He began his creative career in advertising, where he won awards for his work. Paul later worked for Wolff Olins on the General Motors (GM) brands of Vauxhall, Saab, Opel and North American Vehicles.

Verve - Creative Brand Consultants

Verve was established in 1996 and is an independent brand consultancy. Since founding Verve Paul and Julia have hosted seminars on the importance of building a strong brand. Verve have worked with the Design Council on their ‘Designing Demand’ programme and helped to launch the British Science Festival 2009 for Surrey. 

Paul has has been quoted in ‘The Daily Telegraph’ and 'The Scotsman' National newspapers regarding branding and was interviewed by the Institute of Directors for the IOD magazine in DECEMBER 2010. Paul has contributed to Management Today and written articles for Start Your Business Magazine. For more information -

http://www.verve.co.uk/news.htm